On Friday, July 4th, 2025, the Oakland Radio Communication Assn (ORCA – Amateur/Ham radio) in conjunction with Oakland’s Emergency Management Services Division / Oakland Fire Dept will again conduct mobile wildfire patrols in the Oakland Hills (High Fire Hazard Severity Zone) during the late afternoon and early evening. ORCA has conducted these wildfire safety patrols every July 4th since 1994!
ORCA volunteers will drive, observe and report any signs of smoke or fire as well as illegal fireworks using Amateur/Ham radios accessing the ORCA Amateur/Ham network being run from Oakland Fire Station 25 on Butters Dr.
The Firesafe Council’s GENOAK 2-way radio network may also be activated on the evening of July 4th. GENOAK radio operators can observe locally and report emergencies to 911, and update others via their 2-way radios if there’s an incident. This could be from anywhere in Oakland/East Bay, as fire is a possibility anywhere, not just in the hills. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Doug Mosher at prepare@oaklandfiresafecouncil.org
